Veteran Community Grant Recipients 2025

Organisation

Applicant Suburb

Project title

Brief project description

Funding granted

Holsworthy Public School

Holsworthy

Lest We Forget - Where Heroes Still Stand

A large commemorative artwork will be installed on the wall facing our playground, serving as a lasting tribute to the armed forces, honouring our soldiers, past and present. The artwork aims to preserve our school's military heritage, commemorate the courage and sacrifice of our service members and foster a spirit of remembrance within our school community. During commemorative events, such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, the installation will provide a powerful visual backdrop, deepening a sense of reflection and respect shared by all in attendance.

$3,000.00

Gresford RSL sub-Branch

East Gresford

Audio Equipment Enhancement Project

To purchase a PA system compatible Lectern to be used by the RSL at Commemorative events and other occasions. The PA interactive Lectern can be used at the Paterson Anzac Day Dawn Service and the Gresford Anzac Day Service as well as the Remembrance Day service.

$1,899.00

2/30th Battalion A.I.F. Association

Hornsby

85th Anniversary of the Battle of Gemas

Each year the descendants of the 2/30th Battalion AIF and 2/15th Field Regiment, along, with invited guests, gather at Suakin Barracks, Pymble to commemorate the Battle of Gemas. As part of the 8th Division 2nd AIF, these soldiers engaged in the first major battle by the Australian Army with the Imperial Japanese army near the town of Gemas in central Malaya (around 200 km north of Singapore) on 14th and 15th January 1942, delaying their advance and helping to save lives during the evacuation from the peninsular. They inflicted hundreds of casualties on Japanese troops for the loss of 20 men. Our commemoration in 2027 will be the 85th Anniversary.

$3,000.00

Soldier On

Charlestown

Soldier On Veteran and Family NSW Volunteer Platform

Many veterans in their family members in regional and remote areas in NSW face significant barriers to community connection, including limited access to volunteering opportunities, social isolation, and fewer opportunities to give back in meaningful ways. ‍This project addresses these challenges by providing a purpose-built digital platform that will enable veterans and their families, despite location, access to register for an participate in local and statewide volunteering opportunities. To the soldier on veteran and family volunteer platform participants will be able to connect with causes that align with their values and skills, contribute to their local communities, and track their impact, from anywhere in New South Wales.

$1,000.00

Figtree Heights Public School

Figtree

ANZAC mural

We would like to have a mural painted in our ANZAC garden.

$1,000.00

Kingsgrove RSL sub-Branch

Kingsgrove

Kingsgrove/Campsie RSL sub-Branch Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway Excursion for Local Schools 2026 – Honouring our ANZAC Legacy

Kingsgrove and Campsie RSL Sub-Branches will host approximately 4 educational excursions for local primary school students to the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway at Concord (NSW) around November 2026. Guided tours will help students learn about the WWII New Guinea Campaign and the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of Australian servicemen and women. Each visit concludes with a BBQ, which helps encourage reflection and connection between students and local veterans.

$2,700.00

Tomerong Public School

Tomerong

Reinvigorating the Tomerong Public School Memorial Garden

Tomerong Public School seeks to reinvigorate our War Memorial Garden, a central space for commemoration, reflection, and community connection. The garden currently features a commemorative stone and pavers engraved with the names of local families, many of whom include veterans connected to our school’s history. Over time, the edging has cracked, the garden has aged, and the space no longer reflects the pride and respect it deserves.

$1,500.00

Wattle Grove Public School

Wattle Grove

Honouring Defence Families Mural at Wattle Grove Public School

This project will engage Wattle Grove Public School students and local veterans to design and paint a mural honouring Defence personnel and their families. The initiative will foster community pride, celebrate Defence contributions, and create a lasting tribute on school grounds.

$3,000.00

Berowra RSL sub-Branch

Berowra

Equipment for Memorial Services and fund raising

Equipment such as Signage, Table cloth and audio equipment for functions. Sound equipment for members and general community personnel for celebration days and activities such as fund raising, outdoor services. Signage for general community to identify their link with the RSL sub-Branch.

$2,878.00

Lewisham Public School

Lewisham

Our Poppy Wall: Remembering ANZAC Courage

We propose a vibrant ANZAC-themed mural in our playground, engaging all 190 students in a hands-on exploration of Australia’s history and the values of courage, mateship, and resilience. Students will collaborate on the design of the artwork, supported by teachers and local artists, and participate in storytelling and discussions to connect personally with ANZAC heritage.

$2,000.00

Gloucester RSL sub-Branch

Gloucester

Remember their deeds

Cabinets will contain military memorabilia and stories; ‍ WW1, WW2 and Vietnam

$1,450.00

Ulong Public School

Ulong

Remembering Our Local Heroes: A Student-Led Community History Project

This project will engage students, staff, and the wider community in researching, recording, and sharing the service and sacrifice of local veterans and their families. As a small, low socio-economic, rural, and isolated school, we see this as an opportunity to strengthen connections between generations, preserve local history, and educate our young people about the importance of remembrance.

$1,000.00

Dungog RSL sub-Branch

Dungog

Veteran Uniform Displays

The project is to properly, display, veteran uniforms that have been gifted to the Dungog RSL sub-Branch by veterans or their families. These uniforms are from local veterans and are across all three services. Some of which range from WWII to more recent service in Afghanistan. This project needs suitable mannequins and display heads to display these uniforms.

$1,400.00

Waterfall Public School

Waterfall

Learning from Legends: A Journey of Service and Sacrifice

This project will provide students at Waterfall Public School with a meaningful learning experience centred on the values of service, courage, and resilience demonstrated by Australian veterans. Through a sequence of classroom learning and a culminating excursion to the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, students in Years 3–6 will explore Australia’s wartime history, the experiences of those who served, and the continuing importance of remembrance in our national identity. Prior to the excursion, students will investigate local connections to military service, including veterans within their families or the community, supported by resources from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Following the excursion, students will host a “Veterans’ Afternoon Tea and Reflection Assembly” at the school, where they will share their learning through poetry, artwork, and short speeches dedicated to the ANZAC spirit. 

$2,500.00

St Joseph's Primary Grenfell

Grenfell

Tales of Hope

This project aims to help primary school students develop a deeper understanding of Australia’s wartime history and the sacrifices made by our service men and women. As part of the program, students will travel to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, where they will participate in guided tours and learning sessions to gain insight into the experiences of Australian veterans across different conflicts. Following the visit, the school will host a Morning Tea for local veterans, inviting them to share their stories and experiences with students. ‍To preserve and celebrate these important interactions, students will digitally record selected conversations and reflections, creating a collection of oral histories that can be shared within the school community and beyond.

$2,475.00

Gundagai RSL sub-Branch

Gundagai

Gundagai Norden VC Memorial Project Booklet

This application is for the production of a booklet to commemorate the Opening Ceremony on 14 May 2026 of Gundagai's Memorial to Victoria Cross for Australia recipient (Gundagai's own) Richard Norden and his actions at the Battle of Coral-Balmoral in Vietnam in 1968. The ceremony will be attended by the Governor General, Federal and State dignitaries, members of the Norden family, Coral-Balmoral veterans and the regional community. The 250 booklets will be provided to VIP's and Veterans attending the ceremony. Future copies of the booklet will be sourced through Gundagai Council and provided for sale at the Gundagai Visitor and Information Centre.

$1,000.00

Penrith RSL sub-Branch

Penrith

Women Veterans Memorial Plaque and School Education

To provide an appropriate plaque dedicated to the Service of women at war. To date memorial plaques have honoured only the service of nurses. This plaque will endeavour to recognise all women veterans regardless of their service category across the Australian Defence Force. Additionally, the plaque will be the focus of educating the public and school children about the service of women in conflicts.

$1,000.00

Vasey Communities

Rhodes

Public exhibitions and commemorative events for residents to learn, reflect, and connect with the contributions of veterans, war widows, and defence personnel.

This initiative will benefit all residents living across our five Vasey Communities retirement villages, including war widows, veterans, and defence-connected Australians. We propose excursions to places of national and cultural significance, such as war memorials, military museums, historical exhibitions, and commemorative events that enable residents to engage meaningfully with Australia’s defence history.

$550.00

City of Liverpool and District Historical Society

Liverpool

Faces of Liverpool Soldiers Memorial Wall

In 1919, a notice was placed in the Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate newspaper requesting parents and soldiers to send in photographs and personal details of those who served during the ‘Great War’, which we know today as World War One. It took some 20 months to complete but on Armistice Day 1920, the extraordinary book ‘Parramatta and District Soldiers who fought in the great war 1914-1919’ was published. At 276 pages in length, and containing some 2000 photographs, it is an immense heartfelt tribute to the thousands of men who enlisted, fought and died in the ‘Great War’. What constituted ‘district’ was vast, from Parramatta to Hornsby and Galston in the North, Ingleburn in the South, Auburn in the east and Blacktown and Dural in the West. Some 120 soldiers made up the Liverpool section. Their faces stare at us from the past. For many of the men, it is probably the only surviving evidence of what they looked like. We intend to place these in one large wall to display every Anzac Day.

$1,300.00

Community Wheels Inc

Northmead

'"Honouring Service and Connection: Seniors Day Trip to North Head Sanctuary and Memorial Walk"

Participants will enjoy a fully supported day trip to North Head Sanctuary, including a guided historical tour of the Barracks Precinct, Memorial Walk, and Observation Post. We provide door-to-door transport to ensure accessibility and comfort for all attendees. This initiative will benefit up to 20 socially isolated seniors, including those from CALD backgrounds, living in the Parramatta and Cumberland areas. 

$900.00

Coalfields Local History Association Incorporated

Abermain

Display and Conservation of Military Items

The Association has been donated significant items from returned servicemen and women who served in both World Wars and theatres of war subsequently, as well as those donated from private collections, which have connections to our local community. These displays are crowded in their current non-museum appropriate cabinets and cannot be properly described or given due provenance as a result. It is our intention to display these items in a more coherently assembled manner.

$1,320.00

Goulburn Mulwaree Council

Goulburn

Interpreting the Great War: Upgrading the Rocky Hill Memorial Museum Firearms and Weapon Display

This project aims to upgrade two exhibition showcases to create a more engaging and accessible display of the Museum’s significant Great War firearms and weapons collection. The upgraded showcases will improve object interpretation, ensure enhanced conservation conditions, and provide a more dynamic visitor experience. In doing so, the project will foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of the multi-layered stories of Australian service personnel during the Great War.

$3,000.00

Collaroy Tennis Club Incorporated

Collaroy

Return Serve

Return Serve is an event enabling Collaroy Tennis Club and the local community to show our gratitude for those who have served or are currently serving in the ADF. Launching in April 2026, Return Serve is for current and former Australian servicemen, servicewomen and their families. It will provide tennis for both able-bodied and wheelchair-bound Vets in a safe and welcoming environment. This will be a tiny step towards helping them transition to civilian life, helping to keep them fit and healthy (physically and mentally), while providing an outdoor social context for them. On the day, we'll be providing a circuit of activities including tennis, table tennis, Pop Tennis and more, catering for all skill levels and physical abilities. There'll be a BBQ and other food options, all provided in a festival-like environment with music and true camaraderie.

$2,000.00

Tower Street Public School

Panania

Anzac Day & Remembrance Day Ceremonies Commemorative Garden

Tower Street Public School would like to create a commemorative garden at the site where our Anzac Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies are held. We plan to purchase a metal art silhouette of a soldier to be displayed year-round as a lasting tribute to all those who have served and sacrificed. In addition, we hope to enhance the garden’s appeal by adding ceramic or metal poppies and refreshing the landscaping to make it an inviting and reflective space. ‍

$958.52

Eden RSL sub-Branch

Eden

Middle East Area operation Commemoration

Supply a plaque for our memorial to honour those who served in the Middle East. Arrange a commemorative service for our members who served as well as surrounding RSL branches and general public who also served then to join us at our Memorial Hall for light refreshments to commemorate their day 7th July, 2026.

$721.44

Bingara Central School P and C Association

Bingara

Living Memorial at Bingara Central School - Remembering the Fallen

Through the planting of orange trees, we aim to establish a living memorial that honours the contributions and sacrifices of Australian veterans, while also connecting to the unique character and heritage of our local area. We will officially open the garden at a catered community event held after the annual Orange Picking in Term 2, 2026. The entire school and wider community, including local veterans, will be invited to attend and celebrate this new space together.

$1,475.95

City of Penrith RSL sub-Branch

Penrith

Commemorative Visit

Provide NSW veterans, their dependents and NSW War Widows the opportunity to undertake a bus trip through the NSW countryside to Canberra where they will be the primary participants in the Australian War Memorial "Last Post" commemorative ceremony. Staying overnight in Canberra to enable a guided tour of the AWM on the second day before taking the coach through the NSW countryside on the return journey to Penrith.

$1,200.00

City of Parramatta RSL sub-Branch

Parramatta

Veteran Wellbeing Exercise Class

Our Veteran members will benefit from the exercise class by providing them with an organized exercise regime conducted by a Physiotherapist and Exercise Physiologist. The Class will be conducted over a Term of 8 weeks. Additionally, the Class will provide a safe environment for like-minded Veterans to exercise safely and comfortably amongst their cohort.

$880.00

Canley Vale High School

Canley Vale

Black ANZAC street art mural

Inspired by the Redfern Street Art created for the ANZAC Centenary (as featured in the Black ANZAC project), this initiative aims to develop a similar artwork installation within our school. We will source and obtain rights to digital images from the Australian War Memorial, consult with and seek permission from the Fairfield Local AECG, and purchase the necessary art materials to create a permanent installation in the school quad that honours Indigenous and Australian contributions to ANZAC history.

$1,220.00

Ms Dianne Smith

Grasmere

Voices from the Past - Australian Veteran Stories

The project will involve transferring and digitising existing interviews, photos, and recordings—including video interviews with World War I servicemen Eric Abraham and Ted Smout, Australian nurse and POW Florence Trotter, six World War II veterans, and three veterans from the Vietnam conflict, including a South Vietnamese Army veteran. Archival materials such as a Gallipoli veteran’s diary (1914) and original Western Front photographs will also be incorporated. Once digitised, the material will be carefully edited into a creative, narrative-based video piece that highlights personal stories of service, resilience, and humanity. ‍

$3,000.00

Kurmond Public School

Kurmond

Landscaping near our ANZAC mural

We have a school mural at the front of the school which acknowledges the ANZACS. Unfortunately, the front of the school near the mural was recently all dug up due to the installation of a perimeter fence. We would like to place some garden hedging and some natives to commemorate this special area.

$500.00

Meadowbank Public School

Meadowbank

Restoring Remembrance: Revitalising Our ANZAC Garden

Restoring Remembrance: Revitalising Our ANZAC Garden into a Sustainable Space Honouring Service, Community, and Growth for now and future students.

$800.00

Mulwaree High School

Goulburn

Preserving The Past: Digitising The Australian War Memorial Slide Collection

By digitising a significant collection of 4,500 photographic slides provided by the Australian War Memorial, we aim to preserve these valuable historical records and make them more accessible for educational and commemorative purposes. The slides contain photographs from all major wars/conflicts Australians were involved in, from the Boer War through to Vietnam War.

$3,000.00

St Mary's RSL sub-Branch

St Marys

St Mary's RSL sub-Branch well-being program archery activity

With the help of the veterans' welfare centre, St Mary's outpost, and the Penrith City archers, we would organise a monthly morning of archery Instruction and mild competitive exercise for a minimum of 10 veterans and their family members. This will promote a healthy, low-impact outdoor activity in a stress-free environment.

$1,500.00

Punchbowl Public School

Punchbowl

Remembrance Garden and Mural

The activities we will undertake include the creation of a Remembrance Garden, which will be planted with symbolic elements such as rosemary, poppy flowers, and a Lone Pine tree. Students will help design and paint a mural in collaboration with local veterans, featuring remembrance themes and including the names of veterans who have participated in our school’s past commemorative services. The project will be launched with a formal dedication ceremony and the space will be used for all future Anzac Day and Remembrance Day commemorations. Students will also take part in the ongoing maintenance and care of the garden, giving them a sense of ownership and responsibility. ‍

$2,000.00

Oak Flats High School

Oak Flats

Year 9 Military History Incursion

This initiative immerses students in WWI Living History and a military-style boot camp, fostering empathy, resilience, and respect for Australia’s veterans through experiential, curriculum-aligned learning.

$1,526.00

Dubbo Regional Council

Dubbo

Honouring History: Interpretive Signage Commemorating Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre's origins as a Dubbo WWII Memorial

The project involves designing and installing interpretive signage that acknowledges the DRTCC’s origins as a war memorial honouring Dubbo soldiers who served and fell in the Second World War. Through historical research, community consultation, and thoughtful design, the signage will respectfully convey the site's dual identity - as a commemorative space and a community and cultural venue.

$1,166.36

Project Norden Pty Ltd

Bilambil Heights

Project Norden, veterans tending to the fallen

We aim to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of military veterans by creating meaningful events, days of attending military graves and placing of commemorative mementos. We hold events each month, being a mix of cemetery events, music concerts, lunches and coffee meets. For our commemorative side we video record military graves, research and post stories on social media of our fallen. We expect to gather younger veterans and those that are not part of RSL's or other ESO's and rebuild their purpose and connection. For our commemorative side we engage with a wide audience of over 500K preserving our Anzac history through our stories in an innovative and engaging way.

$1,900.00

Grenfell Historical Society Inc

Grenfell

Recognition of service personnel who served in post WW2 conflicts and peacekeeping operations

To collect, preserve and display the memorabilia and history of local residents who served in all post WW2 conflicts and peacekeeping operations. This will include a new display as part of the war section of the museum. The local RSL sub-Branch is supportive of the initiative and several members who served have volunteered to be involved.

$2,000.00

Gulgong RSL sub-Branch

Gulgong

PT in the Park

To provide Group Physical Exercise to Veterans and their families. This involves a qualified Personal Trainer providing Groups sessions

$1,500.00

Liverpool City Council

Liverpool

Commemoration of the Battle of Beersheba

Commemorative service acknowledging the bravery and achievements of the 12th Light Horse Regiment, who were formed in Liverpool and led the successful charge and ensuing capture of Beersheba, 31st October 1917.

$1,500.00

Air Force Association NSW

Paddington

Commemorations

We deliver inclusive Air Force commemorations honouring service and sacrifice, fostering community connection, supporting veterans’ wellbeing, and educating future generations through respectful public remembrance.

$1,500.00

Armidale RSL sub-Branch

Armidale

Memorabilia lockable Display cabinets

Armidale RSL sub-Branch was established in 1918 making us 107 years old. During that time our veterans and their families have generously shared their service history and memorabilia with us. We have set up an office space dedicated to the display of historic memorabilia items, previously locked away in archive storage. We have commenced setting up a private space for our veterans to provide wellbeing support by our inhouse experienced veteran volunteer team. The community of Armidale and surrounds are welcome to view our historic display and library and upon lockable cabinets being installed we will have more items of significance on display.

$1,000.00

Avalon Beach RSL sub-Branch

Avalon Beach

Replacement of the Ode Flame in Avalon Beach RSL Club

At 6pm every evening at the Avalon Beach RSL Club, the lights are dimmed, the Ode Flame is illuminated, all patrons in the Club stand reverently facing the flame, the Ode is recited and one minute of silence then follows. This nightly commemoration is conducted to honour those who served and died to ensure the freedom of our country. Unfortunately, the current Ode Flame is old, does not illuminate correctly and is unrepairable. The replacement of this Ode Flame will benefit all patrons of the Club, veterans, members and guests alike, and restore the sanctity of this nightly commemoration. This project will acquire and install a replacement modern Ode Flame in the main area of the RSL Club.

$1,441.00

Bonville Public School P&C Association

Bonville

Reflection area

An area for students to sit, reflect and talk about Veterans who have served our country.

$1,356.00

South Eastern Community Connect

Eastlakes

Honouring Service, Preserving Legacy

Design Concept: A timeless display cabinet symbolizing strength and endurance. "A sanctuary for stories that shaped our nation – where courage is enshrined, and sacrifice is remembered."

$1,899.00

Davidson High School Parents & Citizens Association

Frenchs Forest

Creation of an Anzac Mural at Davidson High School

The mural will serve as a lasting tribute to Australian service personnel, fostering understanding of service, sacrifice, and national history. It will provide students with a tangible way to engage with Australia’s heritage and support the development of respect, empathy, and awareness. This initiative will benefit students, staff, families, and the wider Davidson community by creating a prominent Anzac Mural within the school grounds.

$3,000.00

Coolamon Central School

Coolamon

Remembrance Garden

Students will collaborate with the Coolamon District Historical Society and Coolamon RSL sub-Branch to research former CCS students who enlisted in the armed forces. A commemorative statue and plaques with the students names engraved, will be designed for the schools remembrance garden to honour their contribution.

$790.00

Nambucca Heads RSL sub-Branch

Nambucca Heads

80th Anniversary of the formation of the Nambucca Heads RSL sub-Branch

The Kings birthday weekend 2026 see the sub branch commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the formation of the Nambucca Heads sub-Branch of what is now called the Returned & Services League of Australia (NSW Branch). We will be holding an evening Black Tie function on 6 June 26 in the Nambucca Heads RSL Club to officially mark the occasion. The sub-Branch has commissioned Carolline Rhodes, a highly regarded social historian to produce a book titled “We’ve Got Your Back” to mark the occasion.

$1,500.00

Broken Hill Military Museum Inc

Broken Hill

Medals Display Cabinet

The aim of this project is to enhance the Broken Hill Military Museum’s new location by acquiring a high-quality and secure glass display cabinet, with a particular focus on displaying part of our extensive medal collection.

$1,749.00

Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project

Forestville

Sail to Remember Them - A Commemorative Sailing Event

Sail to Remember Them is a one-day active commemoration sailing event designed to modernise the way we honour service and sacrifice while strengthening social connection and wellbeing for veterans and their families. This event will take place in early April, combining a short, meaningful commemorative service with an inclusive sailing activity and refreshments afterwards. Hosted on the iconic waters off Manly, the day will offer opportunities for both solemn reflection and active participation in a relaxed, supportive environment.

$1,000.00

Richmond RSL sub-Branch

Richmond

Les Kay Memorial Hall Wellbeing Enhancement Project

With the purchase of mannequins, display cabinets and picture frames our project will enable us to further display and preserve memorabilia that has been provided to us from local families. The aim is to enable Serving/Ex-serving Military personnel and their families, individuals, community groups and local schools to have a place to come where they can learn, appreciate and remember the service and sacrifices of our local veterans and Military Service personnel and continue to pass down the history of our veterans and with the view to enhancing the wellbeing of our Veteran community.

$2,000.00

RSL NSW

Sydney

RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC Commemoration

The service follows a traditional Anzac Day commemoration with students honouring the service and sacrifice of servicemen and servicewomen. The service is conducted entirely by students, hand selected through the three education sectors, with over 1,000 students in attendance on the day. ‍The service was first held in 1953 and continues 72 years later with the addition an art competition. Now in it's fourth year the RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC art competition will be back in 2026 with the winning work to appear on the cover of the order of service program, along with an exhibition of all finalists works at the Anzac Memorial.

$800.00

Wagga Wagga RSL sub-Branch

Wagga Wagga

Mangoplah War Memorial Restoration and Commemoration Project

The Mangoplah War Memorial Restoration and Commemoration Project will restore and enhance the historic war memorial at Mangoplah to ensure it remains a dignified and accessible place of remembrance for veterans, families, and the wider community.

$1,500.00

RSL NSW

Sydney

Vietnam Veterans Day Commemoration

Vietnam Veterans Day is a day to remember the efforts of our veterans from the Vietnam War. The day allows all to pay their respects and thank you to the almost 60,000 Australians who served during the 10 years of our involvement. In 2026 we will commemorate 60 years since the Battle of Long Tan on 18 August 1966.

$1,500.00

TLK Youth College

Berkeley Vale

Honouring the Past: understanding the service and sacrifice of veterans

‘Honouring the Past’ is an educational program designed to engage disadvantaged at-risk youth in learning about the history of Australian military service during World War I. Aligned with the NSW Syllabus, we will engage the services of WWI Living History to host an incursion for all our students, accompanied by a morning tea to provide a relaxed and inclusive environment for students to reflect, ask questions, and engage in meaningful discussions with presenters and peers. By combining education, commemoration, and community engagement, the program aims to inspire a sense of historical awareness and pride in our students, while also supporting their personal development and social inclusion.

$1,089.00

Families and Friends of the First AIF (FFFAIF)

Dubbo

Commemorating the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles

To mark the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles, the well developed commemoration of that Battle will be enhanced with a Fromelles Exhibition. The exhibition will consist of 10 previously little known photographs related to Fromelles that are framed and displayed on easels around the auditorium so that guests may inspect them before and after the service and while partaking of refreshments.

$1,210.00

Southern Cross Catholic College

Burwood

Recognising the past: Serving the future

This project seeks to revitalize our school's historical connection to its alumni who have served in the military and auxiliary services over the past 115 years. The initial phase involves securing a commemorative medal board to serve as a central focus. This student-led research will be conducted in close partnership with our local RSL sub-Branch, ensuring historical accuracy and strong community connection during both the research and the installation of the medal board. Our long-term goal is to progressively establish a prominent and evolving display featuring framed Records of Service, historical photographs, and replica medals. By bringing these personal stories to life, we aim to inspire future service and civic responsibility. The display will culminate with a unique framed record featuring a mirror in place of a photo, powerfully communicating to our current students that future service and contribution belong to them.

$2,550.00

Oatley RSL sub-Branch

Oatley

Develop Oatley RSL sub-Branch Memorabilia Display at Sub branch Hall

Oatley RSL sub-Branch has a dedicated sub-Branch hall which has been utilised by the Oatley RSL Community Club for many years. The sub-Branch has decided to use the hall for a Veterans Drop-In Centre, and it needs secure display cabinets and furnishing. ‍During a clean-up of the office and storeroom in preparation for the Veterans Drop-In Centre our members found a large volume of past veterans' memorabilia stowed away. We want to bring it out of hiding and put as much as possible on display for our members, other veterans and community open days. Therefore, we are applying for a grant for a large secure Display Cabinet with lighting to proudly display the many items presently hidden away.

$1,620.00

Royal Australian Naval Sailing Association

Darling Point

Royal Australian Naval Sailing Association Memorabilia Display Cabinet

The club has a considerable amount of memorabilia hidden away in cupboards and lockers including a scale model of Admiral Nelsons HMS Victory which needs locating in a secure stowage. Our premier display area is the Rushcutter Room in the original RAN Boatshed built in 1903. We have a lot of hanging memorabilia in the Rushcutter Room, but we lack a secure display cabinet for many items of memorabilia and artifacts including RAN Sailing trophies dating back to the 1920's. It is important we display the many artifacts presently hidden away to demonstrate the Naval Heritage to members, fellow sailors and guests, locals and visitors.

$1,350.00

HMAS Sydney Association

Five Dock

HMAS Sydney II Memorial and Wreath Laying Service

Wreath Laying and Memorial Service remembering the battle between HMAS Sydney and KSK Kormoran and the sinking of Sydney and the loss of her crew of 645 in the Indian Ocean on 19 November 1941. This is the 85th anniversary and the 38th year this ceremony has been held. To bring to the attention of the general public the effect this event had on the Australian public during WWII.

$1,700.00

Temora RSL sub-Branch

Temora

25lb Artillery Display

The sub-Branch was bequeathed an artillery piece from a non member who collected Militaria with the instruction to only accept if we were able to have it presented as a Memorial within the precinct of the current Memorial. Col Pat Thorne (Retired) Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery has described the ordinance as in remarkable condition and is assisting in the Risk assessment process and to make the display safe for the public. Consultation with the General Manager Temora Shire Council has occurred and is waiting for the Safety Inspection and planned works to resolve any issues. The location of the display is open to all members of the public and is situated near the back of the local swimming pool and a public BBQ area. While a static display it would be prominent on Anzac Day as a local equestrian enthusiast who attends in Light Horse regalia is situated next to the proposed site.

$1,000.00

Baulkham Hills High School

Baulkham Hills

Memorial garden

Establish an Memorial Reflective Garden around our school’s existing lone pine tree. Dedicated space for remembrance and paying respects, also used during Anzac Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies.

$1,210.00

Pilliga Branch of CWA NSW

Pilliga

Pilliga Veteran Storyline and Support Project

To gather stories from Veterans from community sources including oral history, written historical texts and photographs that would be of interest to descendants and the local community. To allow a safe space for veterans to gather to reminisce of old times. To be able to show our respect for our veterans in a few different ways to ensure that they are never forgotten and their treasured memories will live on forever.

$1,149.00

Media Arts Foundation

Pitt Town

Veteran Voices: Avatar-Based Community Education and Support Pilot

This project will deliver a pilot conversational avatar—a lifelike, voice-interactive digital character—designed to engage the community with the history, experiences, and available support services relevant to veterans in the Queanbeyan region.‍

$1,250.00

John Edmondson High School

Horningsea Park

John Edmondson VC Commemorative Book

The local school community of John Edmondson High School, Austral Public School and Hurlstone Agricultural College and the wider community of Horningsea Park and Liverpool will benefit from the commemorative book as John Edmondson attended Hurlstone Agricultural College and Austral Public School and his story through media articles and other research needs to be preserved. Our school is named after a Victoria Cross recipient and two other schools have a Victoria Cross recipient as an alumnus. This is a story that needs to be preserved. We will collect assorted media articles and photographs and compile them into a commemorative book to tell John Edmondson's story of growing up in Liverpool and his service at Tobruk. From our activities we expect to preserve the media articles, to have a book that tells John Edmondson's story and highlight his selfless courage.

$2,067.00

Glenroy Public School

North Albury

Creation of a Veterans Commemorative Garden and Dedicated Event Space

We seek funding to establish a Veterans Commemorative Garden and dedicated area within Glenroy Public School grounds to honour and celebrate the service and sacrifice of our veterans. This tranquil space will serve as a focal point for commemorative events such as Remembrance Day, and other community gatherings. The garden will foster community connection, education about veterans’ contributions, and provide a peaceful area for reflection and remembrance.

$2,000.00

Randwick Family Centre Incorporated

Randwick

March On Fun Run

RFC has proudly delivered this annual community event for several years, and in the coming year, we aim to elevate its reach and impact. Timed to coincide with Soldier On’s March On initiative, the event brings together RFC members for a fun run or walk at our local park, followed by a shared BBQ meal. This gathering fosters connection, encourages physical activity, and promotes both mental and physical wellbeing among participants.

$1,500.00

Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia St Marys Outpost sub-Branch Incorporated

St Marys

St Marys Veteran Centre Wellbeing Program

Our organisation plans to have activities to encourage camaraderie and mateship between Veterans and their families, including War Widows / Widowers which will help with the prevention of social isolation, the Grant will enable us to plan social outings throughout the year.

$1,000.00

North Sydney RSL sub-Branch

North Sydney

safeTALK - Suicide Awareness for Everyone

LivingWorks safeTALK is a four-hour training that equips people to be more alert to someone thinking of suicide and better able to connect them with further help. Using a simple yet effective model, LivingWorks safeTALK empowers everyone to make a difference. Identified by the recent Royal Commission (RC) into Defence and Veteran Suicide, suicide is a major issue within our community. The aim of providing these courses is to not only educate and provide basic tools to help a person experiencing thoughts of suicide but to also breakdown the stigma attached to having such thoughts.

$2,400.00